PrinciPles and rules for red cross and red crescent Humanitarian assistance

www.ifrc.org Saving lives, changing minds.

The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) is the world’s largest volunteer-based humanitarian network, reaching 150 million people each year through our 187 member National Societies. Together, we act before, during and after disasters and health emergencies to meet the needs and improve the lives of vulnerable people. We do so with impartiality as to nationality, race, gender, religious beliefs, class and political opinions. For more information, please visit www.ifrc.org.

© International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Geneva, 2013 Any part of this document may be cited, copied, translated into other languages or adapted to meet local needs without prior permission from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, provided that the source is clearly stated. Requests for commercial reproduction should be directed to the IFRC at secretariat@ifrc.org. Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance 1263500 10/2013 E 250

PrinciPles and rules for red cross and red crescent Humanitarian assistance adopted by the XXi international conference of the red cross (istanbul, 1969) – revised by the XXii, XXiii, XXiV, XXV and XXVi international conferences, tehran (1973), Bucharest (1977), manila (1981), Geneva (1986, 1995 noted)1

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Preamble
The National Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (National Societies), the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (International Federation2) and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) together constitute the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. They form a worldwide humanitarian movement whose mission is: “to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found, to protect life and health and ensure respect for the human being, in particular in times of armed conflict and other emergencies, to work for the prevention of disease and for the promotion of health and social welfare, to encourage voluntary service and constant readiness to give help by the members of the Movement, and a universal sense of solidarity towards all those in need of its protection and assistance.” 3

National Societies provide humanitarian assistance to people who are vulnerable in their territories in situations of disaster, crisis and conflict. National Societies act in accordance with the Fundamental Principles of the Movement (Fundamental Principles) and are auxiliaries to the public authorities in their humanitarian work. To make best use of their collective capacities and to extend their operational reach, National Societies support each other in their humanitarian activities and contribute to each other’s’ development. As per the Federation’s Constitution, the National Societies have created the International Federation to, among other functions, “act as permanent body of liaison, co-ordination and study among National Societies”, “assist National Societies in risk reduction, disaster preparedness, in the organization of their relief actions and the relief operations themselves” as well as “bring relief by all available means to all disaster-affected persons” and “organize, coordinate and direct international relief actions” in accordance with these Principles and Rules.

1 2 3

This document replaces the Principles and rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent disaster relief, as endorsed by Decision 26 of the 1995 General Assembly. The International Federation as used in this document refers to the International Federation as “the corporate body” created under its Constitution, which is comprised of its governance bodies (the General Assembly, the Governing Board, and the President) and the Secretary General supported by the secretariat. Statutes of the Movement.

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These Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance govern National Societies and their International Federation in international humanitarian assistance (excluding armed conflict, internal strife and their direct results). These Principles and Rules recognize the importance of strengthening organizational, coordination and delivery capacities of National Societies, to respond to the increasing number and complexity of disasters and the growing number of vulnerable people. They call for greater collective learning, adaptation, innovation and leadership to ensure that the Movement achieves greater humanitarian impact. These Principles and Rules encompass preparedness for response, disaster relief and early recovery activities. They complement commitments to disaster risk reduction and seek to encourage National Societies to link relief, recovery and development. They establish a coordinated and agreed approach to quality and accountability, and recognize partnerships with public authorities, humanitarian actors and other organizations external to the Movement. These Principles and Rules are adopted within the statutory framework of the Movement.

These Principles and Rules are adopted by member National Societies and their International Federation and will be presented to the International Conference of the Red Cross and Red Crescent in 2015. They shall be a part of the future Movement-wide coordination and cooperation framework.

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Principles
1. We, the National Societies and the International Federation, consider that all persons affected by disasters are entitled to receive assistance, consistent with their needs and priorities. 2. We respect the dignity of all people affected by disasters, including their meaningful involvement in decisions that affect their lives and livelihoods. 3. We commit to protect people affected by disasters, particularly those made vulnerable by any form of discrimination. 4. We have the duty to bring humanitarian assistance to those in need. We partner with states, which have the primary responsibility to meet the needs of disaster-affected people in their countries. 5. We advocate on behalf of people at risk and affected by disasters for increased action to address their vulnerabilities and unmet humanitarian needs. 6. We increase and expand our assistance through mobilising our network. We commit that all international assistance provided by a National Society or the International Federation is with the consent of the National Society of the disaster-affected country. 7. We are each other’s primary and preferred partners. We pursue operational partnerships with external actors – consistent with our Fundamental Principles – to further increase operational reach, scale and effectiveness. 8. We ensure that our assistance is well coordinated among ourselves and with relevant external actors. 9. We ensure that our assistance is appropriate, efficient, effective, and accountable, and we support the transition from relief to recovery for disaster affected people. 10. We provide international assistance that builds upon local capacities and complements local response mechanisms, contributing to preparedness for possible future disasters and strengthening long-term resilience.

Our assistance adheres to the Movement’s Fundamental Principles: it is based on humanity, respects impartiality, neutrality, and independence, is in conformity with unity and universality and builds upon voluntary service.

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rules between and among national societies and the international federation

f. Building necessary volunteer, staff and organizational capacity to provide timely disaster response; and g. Building necessary organizational capacity to receive and account for international assistance. 1.3 National Societies shall strive to continuously strengthen their auxiliary role to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, including through establishing clear roles and mandates as set out in applicable legislation, policies and plans. National Societies shall encourage and support the relevant public authorities to review and develop legislation, policies and plans for disaster management, including by using the Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance (IDRL Guidelines) to strengthen their overall legal, policy or institutional frameworks to both regulate and facilitate disaster assistance.

1
1.1

national societies receiVinG international Humanitarian assistance

(A) Preparedness:
National Societies shall maintain an adequate level of preparedness to provide their own timely and effective humanitarian assistance in times of disaster, which reduces the vulnerabilities of people at risk. Preparedness measures may include but should not be limited to: a. Risk, vulnerability, capacity and market assessments; b. Development of contingency plans and processes with stakeholders; c. Monitoring and using regional and national hazard forecasts for early warning and early action; d. Conducting and concluding pre-disaster meetings and agreements; e. Convening and participating in simulation exercises with relevant partners; 1.4.

1.2

1.5. Key outcomes of preparedness measures, including relevant agreements and cooperation arrangements concluded, should be shared with the International Federation.

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(B) Requests for assistance:
1.6 National Societies may ask the International Federation to provide or facilitate international assistance prior to an imminent disaster on the basis of reliable scientific forecasts and early warning information. National Societies shall inform the International Federation of any sudden or slow-onset disaster for which international assistance may be required and provide, as soon as possible, relevant information including: a. The nature of the disaster, estimated extent of human and physical impact, and the likely future development of the situation; b. Any preliminary assessment of needs and the immediate priorities for assistance; c. Actions taken thus far by the National Society and its partners; d. Actions taken by public authorities or other actors; and e. All requests for international humanitarian assistance. National Societies through the International Federation shall call for Red Cross Red Crescent assistance where the humanitarian consequences of a disaster cannot be met by its resources or those of domestic 1.9

partners, in a timely manner, appropriate scale or in accordance with applicable standards. When international assistance is sought to respond to the humanitarian needs of people affected by disaster, the National Society should request from the International Federation the following support as necessary: a. Immediate financial support from the International Federation’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund; b. The launch of an Emergency Appeal on behalf of the National Society; c. Request the deployment of global/regional disaster response tools; d. Request technical, managerial or additional coordination support.

1.7

1.10 The National Society may also request bilateral assistance from National Societies in accordance with established frameworks for coordination agreed with the International Federation. 1.11 When international humanitarian assistance is not requested but such assistance is accepted by the National Society, the National Society shall establish a framework to receive, coordinate, account and report for such assistance with the support of the International Federation as needed.

1.8

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(C) Coordinated and principled response:
1.12 The National Society, together with the International Federation and its partners shall define the strategic objectives for Red Cross Red Crescent international humanitarian assistance. 1.13 The National Society shall work with the International Federation to ensure that international Red Cross Red Crescent assistance is effectively coordinated between and among Movement and non-Movement actors at both strategic and technical levels. 1.14 The National Society may offer to assist its public authorities with the overall coordination of international humanitarian assistance coming into the country. 1.15 The National Society shall ensure systems, procedures and appropriate processes are in place to be able to account for and report regularly on the funds and in-kind resources received and expenditures it incurs. 1.16 The National Society shall share information through established Movement coordination systems on the following: a. Results of on-going needs and risks assessments; b. Progress against operational plans and capacity strengthening;

c. Priorities of the government and activities of other actors in country; d. Any operational or institutional concerns or risks, including plans for using unspent funds; and e. Emerging gaps in resources and operational capacities. 1.17 The National Society shall work with the International Federation and other National Societies to ensure appropriate security frameworks are in place for the protection of staff and volunteers and their safe access to disaster-affected areas and people. 1.18 The National Society shall work with the International Federation to ensure the necessary and appropriate legal base for Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian assistance. 1.19 The National Society with the International Federation shall facilitate the timely access of Red Cross Red Crescent goods and personnel into the country as agreed with public authorities. 1.20 In disasters affecting the border areas of neighbouring countries the concerned National Societies shall ensure continuous exchange of information between themselves either directly or through the International Federation and, where relevant, collaborate to improve

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access to disaster-affected people or improve the quality of humanitarian assistance provided. 1.21 If a National Society receives goods it has neither solicited, nor agreed to receive or which are of unsuitable quality, it is free to use or dispose of them at its discretion. All costs incurred by the National Society in receiving or disposing of any unsolicited goods shall be borne by the sending National Society. (ref 2.4.) 1.22 National Societies shall seek to allocate adequate resources to prepare for potential secondary disasters and reduce disaster risks during the response.

2
2.1

national societies ProVidinG international assistance

c. Conclude pre-disaster agreements on the provision of humanitarian assistance and cooperation, and share these with the Movement partners through the International Federation; d. Ensure the pre-positioning of relevant relief stocks and surge capacities; e. Support the coordinated development of the global, regional and national disaster response mechanisms and surge capacity tools; f. Regularly monitor hazard information to guide planning and to alert partners on potential upcoming humanitarian assistance needs; and g. Ensure adequate training and preparation for response staff and volunteers.

(B) Responding to requests:
2.2 National Societies shall provide humanitarian assistance in another country only with the consent of the National Society in the disaster-affected country. All assistance must respond to the humanitarian needs and priorities as identified by the requesting National Society with the support of the International Federation, and follow applicable coordination mechanisms.

(A) Preparedness:
In order to ensure efficient and coordinated international assistance, National Societies shall work together with the International Federation to, where applicable: a. Participate in coordinated assessment and contingency planning processes and simulation exercises; b. Support National Societies in their engagement with public authorities, as requested;

2.3

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2.4

The sending National Society is responsible for all costs incurred by the National Society in receiving or disposing of any goods which it has not solicited, agreed to receive, or has judged to be of unsuitable quality. (ref 1.21) National Societies shall prioritise Red Cross Red Crescent channels when providing international humanitarian assistance. Non-Movement channels of assistance (including donations to non-Movement partners) shall only be used when agreed with the National Society in the affected country. National Societies will inform the International Federation. When global/regional disaster response mechanisms and surge capacity tools are deployed, initial assistance should be channelled through them and must be coordinated with these mechanisms and tools to ensure operational efficiency and effectiveness.

ments to the receiving National Society or International Federation in advance for timely clearance from public authorities. 2.8 When global or regional surge capacity tools are requested and subsequently deployed, the responding National Societies and the International Federation shall provide a detailed description of the tools to be deployed, in-country support required and the initial deployment timeframe, to the receiving National Society. Where National Societies have agreed operational partnerships with external actors they shall coordinate with the National Society in the disaster affected country and other relevant Movement components to ensure common standards and coherent approaches to humanitarian assistance.

2.5

2.9

2.6

(C) Coordinated and principled response:
2.7 National Societies providing agreed international assistance shall inform the receiving National Society and the International Federation in advance of all cash and in-kind goods and personnel that they intend to send. They shall also provide all relevant supporting docu-

2.10 If National Societies wish to transfer relief stocks which are reserved for an International Federation operation, they may do so only with the prior agreement of the International Federation. 2.11 National Societies providing assistance shall seek to allocate adequate resources to improve disaster preparedness and reduce disaster risks when responding to disasters.

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2.12. National Societies shall share timely information on their assistance with the receiving National Society and the International Federation.

operating environments and compatible with national response mechanisms. 3.4 The International Federation shall monitor hazard information and disseminate relevant warnings to National Societies and promote and share information on key disaster preparedness efforts, initiatives and good practices at national, regional and global levels. The International Federation shall ensure that globally consistent policies, rules, standards, tools and procedures relevant to disaster response are developed, disseminated and updated, as well as promoting their use in local contexts.

3
3.1

tHe international federation
3.5

(A) Preparedness:
The International Federation shall support National Societies in their efforts to reduce the vulnerabilities of disaster-prone people and improve their resilience to disasters. The International Federation shall promote and support the strengthening of National Societies’ capacities to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of disaster response. The International Federation, supported by the National Societies, shall maintain and develop global and regional multilateral disaster response mechanisms and surge capacity tools4 that are relevant to changing

3.2

(B) Responding to requests:
3.6 When the International Federation receives a request for international assistance from a National Society, it may: a. Provide support from the Disaster Relief Emergency Fund; b. Launch an Emergency Appeal covering the Federation-wide disaster response;

3.3

4

Global and regional response mechanisms and surge tools include but are not limited to: Disaster Management Information System (DMIS), Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF), Early Recovery Surge Team (FERST), Emergency Appeal (EA), Emergency Response Units (ERUs), Field Assessment and Coordination Teams (FACT), Heads of Operations (HEOps), Household Economic Security (HES) team, Regional Disaster Response Teams / Regional Intervention Teams (RDRT/RIT), Restoring Family Links (RFL) pool, Shelter Technical Team (STT), and Shelter Coordination Team (SCT).

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c. Deploy global and regional disaster response mechanisms and surge capacity tools; d. Provide support for the preparation of emergency plans of action; e. Provide or facilitate the provision of other services requested by the National Society; f. Perform its role as set out in any pre-disaster agreement; and/or g. Propose other international assistance mechanisms as may be relevant to the specific context. 3.7 Where the National Society does not intend to request international humanitarian assistance, the International Federation may, in consultation with the affected National Society, send representatives to the disaster-affected country to gather information and assist the National Society in its response. Where the International Federation considers that a National Society has not requested international assistance adequate to the scale and impact of the disaster, the International Federation shall make its concerns known to the National Society and propose appropriate action to be taken in order to respond to the humanitarian needs of the affected people.

(C) Coordinated and principled response:
3.9 The International Federation shall organize, coordinate and direct international Red Cross Red Crescent humanitarian assistance.

3.10 The International Federation is responsible for ensuring that coordination of international Red Cross Red Crescent assistance occurs at the strategic and operational levels and ensures that a consolidated operational plan is developed. 3.11 The International Federation shall encourage and facilitate operational consortia and other forms of alliances among National Societies which support coordinated and efficient action. 3.12 The International Federation shall support and promote regional responses as appropriate through regional programming approaches, tools and funding mechanisms. 3.13 As the official representative of the National Societies in the international field, the International Federation shall ensure the representation and coordination with international and regional humanitarian organizations. The International Federation may temporarily delegate international representation roles to National Societies.

3.8

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3.14 The International Federation shall provide the direction and management over any deployed global and regional surge capacity tools agreed with the receiving National Society. The International Federation may assume any other direct operational role as agreed with the National Society in the disaster-affected country. 3.15 The International Federation shall seek to ensure that global humanitarian diplomacy approaches to disaster response are strategic and coordinated with other Movement components in the interest of addressing the key humanitarian concerns of the disaster-affected people. 3.16 In the context of international humanitarian assistance, the International Federation shall work with the National Society in the affected country to promote and protect its organizational objectives and interests. 3.17 The International Federation will disseminate relevant operational information, including plans of action, appeal coverage, the status of expenditures and commitments, activities undertaken, unmet needs, and potential operational and reputational risks. 3.18 The International Federation, in agreement with the concerned National Societies shall ensure that realtime evaluations are commissioned for major response operations and reviews and evaluations are carried out

for other operations, on behalf of all operational partners, and that their findings, recommendations and agreed action points are disseminated and followed up. 3.19 The International Federation shall work with the National Society in the disaster-affected country and the relevant public authorities to ensure compliance with national law, a facilitated legal environment, and common services for responding National Societies. 3.20 The International Federation shall seek to ensure that adequate resources are mobilised to improve disaster preparedness and reduce disaster risks when responding to disasters.

4
4.1 4.2

relief to recoVery
National Societies shall ensure that disaster-affected communities are involved in planning and decision making regarding relief and recovery programming. National Societies and the International Federation shall develop responsible transition and handover strategies based on the needs and priorities of disasteraffected people, available funding and local capacities.

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To ensure appropriate and timely relief and recovery programming National Societies should: a. Assess recovery needs and commence planning within the immediate response; b. Engage in participatory planning with affected communities and other relevant actors; and c. Ensure that a multi-sectorial relief and recovery strategy is developed and implemented fostering community driven recovery, and addressing crosscutting issues, such as gender, violence prevention and environmental sustainability.

quality of international humanitarian assistance by ensuring the implementation of the Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response (the Sphere Project) and other relevant standards in all humanitarian assistance operations. 5.3 All assistance should seek to minimise any potentially harmful social and economic impacts of assistance (“do no harm”), as well as take account of international environmental standards.

Beneficiary engagement:
5.4 National Societies and the International Federation consider themselves as accountable to disaster-affected people and shall involve them in needs assessment and decision-making to ensure that assistance is appropriate and meets their needs and priorities. National Societies and the International Federation shall work to put in place transparent communication, feedback and complaints mechanisms which invite disaster affected people to share concerns regarding the assistance provided. The National Societies and the International Federation shall ensure appropriate follow up on feedback.

5
5.1

quality and accountability

Standards:
National Societies and the International Federation undertake to work in compliance with the Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and Non-Governmental Organizations in Disaster Relief and with the Code for Good Partnership of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement. National Societies and the International Federation shall work to continuously improve the efficiency and 5.5

5.2

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Planning, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting:
5.6 National Societies and the International Federation shall put in place mechanisms for timely and effective needs assessment, planning, monitoring, evaluation and reporting. This may include building the capacity of staff and volunteers to undertake: a. Rapid and detailed needs, damage and loss assessment; b. Assessment of the capacities within the communities to respond and provide assistance; c. Assessment of the impact of the disaster on local markets and social capital; d. Primary and secondary data analysis, and consideration of cross-cutting issues relevant to the context; e. Strategic and operational planning; and f. Monitoring, evaluation and reporting activities. National Societies and the International Federation shall utilize participatory approaches to planning, monitoring, evaluation and learning. They shall ensure that good practices and evaluation reports are disseminated and agreed recommendations are acted upon.

5.8

In all disaster response operations where international Red Cross Red Crescent assistance is provided, National Societies and the International Federation shall cooperate to ensure Federation-wide planning, monitoring and reporting in order to provide a comprehensive picture of the entirety of the assistance provided.

Staff and volunteer management:
5.9 National Societies and the International Federation shall seek to employ staff and volunteers with appropriate technical qualifications and relevant skills and ensure access to relevant training and support for the tasks assigned to them. They shall be required to commit to staff codes of conduct ensuring appropriate standards of behaviour.

5.7

5.10 National Societies and the International Federation shall have appropriate procedures and tools to guide staff and volunteers in addressing the specific risks associated with working with children and other vulnerable people. 5.11 National Societies and the International Federation shall ensure that staff and volunteers involved in disaster response are aware of safety and security risks and are appropriately insured.

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Resource management:
5.12 National Societies and the International Federation shall mobilise resources for humanitarian assistance according to the scale of need and ensure that they are appropriate to, and used for, their intended purposes. Resources shall only be mobilised in the territory of another National Society with the prior agreement of that National Society. 5.13 National Societies shall maintain sound resource management practices according to their national laws. The National Societies and the International Federation shall apply internationally approved accounting practices that are consistent and transparent to ensure efficient use of all resources. 5.14 National Societies shall cooperate with the International Federation to use and develop joint operational support systems and shared service platforms for effective use of resources and better service delivery. 5.15 National Societies and the International Federation shall strive to negotiate donor agreements which are consistent with Federation standards where applicable and which have realistic outcomes and deliverables for the operational context and capacities.

5.16 When changes must be made to operational plans or donor agreements to better respond to the changing needs of the disaster-affected people, the National Societies or the International Federation shall communicate these changes to concerned donors and other stakeholders in a timely manner. 5.17 National Societies and the International Federation shall meet all donor requirements to which they have agreed, including timely production of accurate and coherent financial and narrative reporting. 5.18 Relief funds or goods that are surplus to relief needs shall be used for recovery activities related to the same operation or for disaster preparedness and risk reduction activities as agreed with the donors.

Risk management and audit:
5.19 Funds received for an operation, whether directly from donors or from the International Federation, shall be subject to external audits. These audits shall be commissioned by the relevant donors, the International Federation or the National Societies receiving funds. The relevant parts of such annual audit reports and written reports on actions taken in response to audit recommendations shall be shared with the

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International Federation and National Societies providing assistance. 5.20 National Societies and the International Federation shall systematically identify, evaluate and mitigate any potential operational and reputational risks related to the receipt or provision of international humanitarian assistance. 5.21 National Societies and the International Federation shall put in place systems and procedures, including adequate control and oversight mechanisms, codes of conduct, policies and training, to prevent acts of fraud or corruption. 5.22 When fraud or corruption is suspected, necessary action shall be promptly taken. Allegations will be investigated and follow-up action taken as necessary. National Societies and the International Federation shall facilitate and cooperate as needed in each other’s investigations and ensure timely and appropriate information sharing and disclosure to relevant stakeholders.

6
6.1

relations witH Public autHorities

Public authorities and civil protection:
National Societies, in their role as auxiliaries to their public authorities in the humanitarian field, supplement and support them in fulfilling their humanitarian responsibilities. They benefit from a specific and unique partnership which involves responsibility and mutual benefits based on national and international law. When working with their public authorities, including civil protection mechanisms, in providing international humanitarian assistance, National Societies shall apply the following rules: a. Assets or resources may be loaned or deployed to operations, provided such deployment would not weaken the Movement’s capacity to respond. b. The emblems of the Movement and their designations, according to the Geneva Conventions and their Additional Protocols or the National Society’s name or logo shall only be used in such international deployments if: • The National Society retains the full control over such assets and resources;

6.2

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• Such use is agreed by the National Society in the disaster-affected country and the International Federation; and • The use of the emblems is not considered a risk to the perceived independence and neutrality of the Red Cross Red Crescent response, nor a potential threat to safety, security or access of any staff or volunteers.

rable civilian alternatives, and the use of military assets is necessary to meet a critical humanitarian need. In addition, any use of military assets by a National Society providing international humanitarian assistance must be approved by the National Society in the disaster-affected country (in consultation with its public authorities) and the International Federation must be informed. 6.6 Any interactions with military forces must respect the Fundamental Principles and consider the potential impact on the security of beneficiaries of humanitarian assistance and on other components of the Movement that might be operating either in the country or region. Therefore: a. National Societies providing international assistance should take special care in terms of any interactions with their own military present in the disaster or crisis affected country, to preserve their actual and perceived independence, neutrality and impartiality. b. National Societies and the International Federation may not use armed protection or escorts except as set forth by the Council of Delegates. c. Armed military transport should never be used.

Civil military coordination:
6.3 National Societies shall maintain a dialogue and interact with military bodies in their own countries, including disseminating knowledge on the Fundamental Principles, international humanitarian law as well as the mandates and the activities of the National Societies and the International Federation making a distinction between the respective roles of the military bodies and of the Movement components. All components of the Movement observe and apply the Movement Guidance document on relations between the components of the Movement and military bodies (2005). Military assets shall only be used in disaster response by the National Societies and the International Federation as a last resort, meaning that there are no compa-

6.4

6.5

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7
7.1

7.4

relations witH external actors

Humanitarian agencies and other organisations:
National Societies and the International Federation shall engage in a coordinated manner with humanitarian agencies and other actors which seek to strengthen overall coordination, quality and efficiency of humanitarian assistance. When considering establishing an operational partnership with an external actor, the National Society should ensure that such partnerships shall not weaken the response capacity of the National Society or the image and reputation of any component of the Movement operating in the country. Guidance may be sought from the International Federation, prior to entering into such partnerships. National Societies may appeal for funding through United Nations’ funding mechanisms for activities in their own countries only provided that they can adhere to the Fundamental Principles and rules and regulations of the Movement and the International Federation. 7.5

The International Federation may annex its Emergency Appeals to United Nations’ funding mechanisms to inform the wider humanitarian community of the International Federation’s humanitarian activities with a focus on collaboration and coordination.

Private sector:
National Societies and the International Federation shall enter into partnerships with private sector actors that have respect for the Movement’s humanitarian values, have a positive image, and a track record of good ethical behaviour. Due diligence must be performed on all private sector partnerships when the emblems of the Movement and their designations are used. National Societies and the International Federation shall not accept donations from sources which risk the image or reputation of any component of the Movement. Volunteers from corporate partners may only be used in international humanitarian assistance if they are trained for the tasks assigned, adequately insured, and placed under the full management and control of the sending National Society or National Society of the af-

7.2

7.6

7.3

7.7

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fected country. The National Society of the affected country must approve the deployment and the International Federation must be informed.

Media and communications:
7.8 National Societies and the International Federation shall respect the dignity of affected people in their communications. They shall seek to use public and social media to draw attention to unmet needs and rights of people affected by and vulnerable to disasters and to strengthen dialogue with those affected by disasters. National Societies and the International Federation shall seek a coordinated approach to media highlighting the role and priorities of the National Society of the affected country and agreed advocacy positions around key issues.

7.11 When facilitating field trips to the affected area for media organisations or publishing content featuring the affected area, the International Federation and any participating National Societies shall first consult the National Society in the affected country.

7.9

7.10 National Societies and the International Federation shall strive to improve public knowledge of any disaster or emergency situation within 24 hours of a declared disaster, as long as this does not impede the efficient conduct of the response operation.

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8
8.1 8.2

final ProVisions
The use of the names and emblems of the Movement, as protected by law, shall, at all times, conform to Regulations on the use of Emblems of the Red Cross or Red Crescent by National Societies (IC 1965, revised CoD 1991). These Principles and Rules are binding on the National Societies and the International Federation. Any violations or other reputational and operational risks shall be reported to the appropriate governance mechanism. National Societies and the International Federation shall ensure that their personnel, volunteers and partners are aware of the content of these Principles and Rules and are equipped with the necessary skills and training to comply with them. The need for potential review or amendment of these Principles and Rules shall be formally considered every four years. Any dispute between National Societies, or between National Societies and the International Federation, related to these Principles and Rules that cannot be re-

solved by the parties shall be addressed to the International Federation’s compliance and mediation committee, unless otherwise agreed by the disputing parties.

8.3

8.4

8.5

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annex a
Reference documents relevant to the implementation of the Principles and Rules for Red Cross and Red Crescent Humanitarian Assistance. statutory texts Constitution of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, GA 1987, amended 1991, revised and adopted 1999 and 2007 Statutes and Rules of procedure of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, IC 1986, amended 1995 and 2006 The Fundamental Principles, IC 1965, revised and adopted 1986 international conference documents international conference resolutions Code of Conduct for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement and NonGovernmental Organisations (NGOs) in Disaster Relief, IC 1994 Furthering the auxiliary role: Partnership for stronger National Societies and volunteering development, IC 2011, Resolution 4 Guidelines for the domestic facilitation and regulation of international disaster relief and initial recovery assistance – IDRL Guidelines, IC 2007 Regulations on the Use of the Emblem of the Red Cross or the Red Crescent by the National Societies, IC 1965, revised CoD 1991 Report on the implementation of Resolution 2 – Specific Nature of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in action and partnerships and the role of National Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, IC 2011

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international conference resolutions

Specific nature of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in action and partnerships and the role of National Societies as auxiliaries to the public authorities in the humanitarian field, IC 2007, Resolution 2 Together for Humanity, IC 2007, Resolution 1

moVement documents council of deleGates resolutions

Agreement on the Organization of the International Activities of the Components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement – The Seville Agreement, CoD 1997 Code for Good Partnership of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, CoD 2009 Minimum elements to be included in operational agreements between Movement components and their external operational partners, 2003 Movement components’ relations with external humanitarian actors, CoD 2011, Resolution 2 and background report Movement policy for Corporate Sector Partnerships, CoD 2005, Resolution 10 Restoring Family Links Strategy (and Implementation Plan) for the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement (2008-2018), CoD 2007, Resolution 4 Relations between the components of the Movement and military bodies, CoD 2005, Resolution 7, Annex Report on the Use of Armed Protection for Humanitarian Assistance, CoD 1995, Resolution 9 Strategy for the Movement, CoD 2009, Resolution 2

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council of deleGates resolutions ifrc Policies

Supplementary Measures to Enhance the Implementation of the Seville Agreement - Supplementary Measures, CoD 2005, Resolution 8, Annex Disaster Preparedness policy, GA 1999 Emergency Response Policy, GA 1997 Essential Drugs and Medical Supplies policy, GA 1999 First Aid policy, GB 2007 Food Security and Nutrition Policy, GB 2003 Gender Policy, GA 1999 Fraud and corruption prevention and control policy Fund-raising Policy, GA 1997 Health Policy, GA 2005 HIV/AIDS Policy, GB 2002 Humanitarian Diplomacy Policy, GA 2009 Integrating relief, rehabilitation and development policy, GA 1991 Integrity Policy, GA 2009

24 > PrinciPles and rules for red cross and red crescent Humanitarian assistance

ifrc Policies

Migration Policy, GA 2009 Post Emergency and Rehabilitation Policy, GA 1999 Volunteering Policy, GA 2011 Water and Sanitation Policy, GB 2003 Youth Policy, GA 2011

moVement Procedures and Guidelines

Civil Protection Guidance for NS and IFRC Secretariat relations with European Union actors, 2013 Community Early Warning Systems: Guiding Principles, 2012 Contingency Planning Guide, 2012 Disaster Response Standard Operating Procedures (SOP), 2012 DREF Procedures and guidelines, 2011 Early Warning > Early Action Handbook, 2008 Earthquakes: guidelines on preparing, responding and recovering, 2012 ERU Standard Operating Procedures (ERU SOP) Federation-wide Resource Mobilization Strategy, GB 2011 Field Manual on Restoring Family Links in Disasters, 2009

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

25

moVement Procedures and Guidelines

Guidelines for Assessment in Emergencies, 2008 Guidelines for Livelihoods Programming, 2010 International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement Guidelines for Cash Transfer Programming, 2007 Management of dead Bodies after Disasters: A field Manual for First Responders, 2009 PASSA – Participatory Approach for Safe Shelter Awareness, 2011 Post-disaster community infrastructure rehabilitation and (re)construction guidelines, 2012 Post-disaster settlement planning guidelines, 2012 Procedures and Guidance for the Emergency Plan of Action, Emergency Appeal, and related reporting tools, 2013 Public awareness and public education for disaster risk reduction: a guide, 2011 Recovery Programming Guidance, 2012 Setting up a National Disaster Preparedness and Response Mechanism: Guidelines for National Societies, 2010 Shelter Coordination in natural disasters, 2012 Shelter Kit Guidelines, 2010

26 > PrinciPles and rules for red cross and red crescent Humanitarian assistance

moVement Procedures and Guidelines otHer Humanitarian Policy frameworKs, Guidelines and PrinciPles

Vulnerability and Capacity Assessment Guidelines, 2006 Guidelines on The Use of Foreign Military and Civil Defence Assets in Disaster Relief – Oslo Guidelines, revised 2007 HAP Standards in Humanitarian Accountability and Quality Management, 2007, revised 2010 Principles and Good Practice of Humanitarian Donorship, 2003 Principles of Partnership: A Statement of Commitment, 2007 The Red Cross and Red Crescent Emergency Items Catalogue, 2009 The Sphere Project: Humanitarian Charter and Minimum Standards in Humanitarian Response, first edition 2000, latest edition 2011 and its Companions (Minimum Standards for Education, Livestock Emergency Guidelines and Standards, Minimum Economic Recovery Standards and Child Protection Standards).

tHe fundamental PrinciPles of tHe international red cross and red crescent movement

Humanity
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring assistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and lasting peace among all peoples.

Independence
The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary service
It is a voluntary relief movement not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Impartiality
It makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Unity
There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Neutrality
In order to continue to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Universality
The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies P.O. Box 303 CH-1211 Geneva 19 Switzerland Telephone: +41 22 730 4222 Telefax: +41 22 733 0395 E-mail: secretariat@ifrc.org www.ifrc.org Saving lives, changing minds.